Astrolux WP2 LEP 2.3km throw flashlight review and beamshots

The Astrolux WP2 is a LEP flashlight that throws 2.3km or 1.4 miles. LEP stands for Laser Excited Phosphor and is sometimes advertised as White Laser (even though they use a blue laser). The only light I have that throws further than this is the massive Astrolux MF04, so I was interested to see how the much smaller WP2 would perform.

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The physical light

What’s in the box

The Astrolux WP2 comes in a hard plastic case with lockable clips and foam insert. This is very solid and much better than cardboard boxes that many flashlights come in.

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In the box you get:

• Astrolux WP2 flashlight
• Manual
• Micro USB cable
• 21700 cell (with built in micro USB charging)
• Lanyard
• 2 spare O-rings
• Spare rubber tail switch boot

Appearance and quality

I really like the look and feel of the WP2. The dark grey stands out a bit against most of my other flashlights, which are plain black.

Starting from the bezel, the WP2 has very subtle crenellations that let you see if you left it on when pointing it down. The head has straight knurling near the top and deep fins for heat dissipation where the LEP module is.

Below the fins is the rotary switch for changing modes. This is fairly tight fitting but has a little play. The switch uses magnetism to change modes, so should be waterproof.

The head unscrews to reveal a red o-ring and unanodised threads. The cell connects to the driver with a medium sized spring. The driver itself looks to be held in place by 2 screws.

The tail end has another red o-ring and threads that are smooth and very well lubed. This allows locking the light off with a quarter turn. The tail end has 2 smaller springs for the cell.

On the end of the tail is the mechanical switch. This is a forward clicky, so allows a half press for momentary on. The switch is partially recessed behind a saddle or Pringle crisp shape tail. This gives the thumb a good place to rest and also just allows the light to tail stand – albeit a bit precariously. The tail has 4 holes for the lanyard, which allows threading it through sideways.

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Physical comparison

Astrolux WP2 vs other LEPs

I don’t have many LEPs – yet. Here’s the WP2 along side the Lumintop Thor II that I reviewed recently and the Richfire LEP. The WP2 is the largest and throws the furthest out of the 3 by far.

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Astrolux WP2 vs similar size LED throwers

Here you can see the WP2 with LED lights with similarly sized heads. The furthest throwing out of the LED lights here are the RT90 and EA02, both of which throw around 1.3km. The WP2 throws a massive 2.3km, which is almost twice as far!

Astrolux WP2 with other Astrolux throwers

I seem to have acquired a few Astrolux lights over the years. Here you can see the WP2 with its similar size siblings and its big brother the MF04. The Astrolux MF04 is specced at 2.4km throw, just slightly more than the WP2.

In case you didn’t notice, the MF04 is significantly bigger!

From left to right: Astrolux WP2, Astrolux EA02, Astrolux FT03, Astrolux MF04.

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Carrying and everyday use

The light is easy to grip thanks to the knurling on the body tube. There’s also a cigar grip ring that allows you to hold the light with your index and middle finger, with your thumb resting on the switch. The lanyard also helps when using a cigar grip or if you think you might drop it.

With a 61mm (2.4″) head and at 185mm (7.3″) long it’ll fit fine in a jacket pocket but will be noticeable.

Interface and switch

The WP2 has 2 switches.

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The rear mechanical switch turns the light on and off, with a good solid click. The switch is a forward clicky, so you can also half press and the light will come on but will turn off as soon as you let go.

The rotary switch changes between the 5 modes:

• Low
• Medium
• High
• Strobe
• SOS

I can move the rotary switch just with my thumb but it’s easier to use a thumb and index finger together.

Using 2 switches is intuitive and works well. I like how you can know what mode it will turn on in before turning it on.

Cell and charging

My Astrolux WP2 came with a 21700 sized cell. This has 5000mAh capacity, which means its high capacity and low current. This is perfect for a LEP, as they don’t need lots of amps.

The cell includes a micro-USB port for charging. This makes the cell 75.6mm long, so it may not fit in some chargers (it doesn’t fit in my XTAR VC4). The built in charging works fine though and although I’d prefer USB-C, a micro-USB cable is included. When charging (a bit slow at under 1A) the cell has a red indicator light. When complete the light goes green. I measured the cell after charging at a healthy 4.17V.

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The Astrolux WP2 will take other cells too, such as regular 21700 cells or even 18650 cells. I tried a 65.1mm flat top 18650, which just about worked but would lose connection if shaken. I’d recommend pretty much any 21700 cell for this.

Summary

Conclusion

LEP flashlights are just incredible. The Astrolux WP2 throws just about as far as the Astrolux MF04, in a fraction of the size and weight. I really like the WP2 – the host is high quality and the rotary switch is easy to use. It also significantly out throws the smaller Lumintop Thor II.

I’ve had the massive MF04 a while now but due to its size it’s rarely been outside. The WP2 has already been on a couple of night hikes and works wonders for spotting a path or a gate a few hundred meters away.

The Astrolux WP2 was provided for review by Banggood.